“Let us not forget… every peso we receive is drawn from the hard-earned taxes of our people”- Gov. Edduba to Kalinga gov’t employees

Tabuk City, Kalinga - Speaking before the attendees of the “Gabi ng Parangal at Sining” at the Kalinga Astrodome on October 1, Governor James S. Edduba reminded fellow government employees in the province that public service is not a privilege to be abused but a duty that must always honor the people who shoulder the cost. 

Attended by government officials and employees from across the province, the Gabi ng Parangal served as the culminating activity of the month-long celebration of the 125th Philippine Service Anniversary. 

Throughout the month of September, the PCSA brought free government services to Kalinga residents through the Sebisyo Caravan in all seven municipalities and the city of the province. Those who were behind the caravans, meanwhile, were given recognition by the Provincial Government on October 1 - the Gabi ng Parangal. 

During the event, before the awards were handed out to the recipients, Edduba spoke to the workers, emphasizing what it really means to be a public servant. 

In his message, Edduba explained that public service is not measured by plaques or medals but by honesty, integrity, and compassion, which stemmed from the Philippine laws he cited. 

Among those laws he mentioned are the Republic Act 6713, or the Code of Conduct for Public Officials, which states that a government employee must prioritize the public interest (compassion), and the Anti-Graft and Corruption Act, which means a government official should not take advantage of government funds ( intergrity, honesty).  

For Edduba, these laws are not mere technicalities but a reminder that government employees must serve the people in the most efficient and transparent way possible. 

The governor did not hold back in pointing out what he described to be small mistakes that can reduce trust in a government employee. These mistakes include reporting late for duty, leaving the office early without justification, using official time for personal interest, and treating clients discourteously or delaying transactions due to negligence. 

For him, these are not harmless acts but a form of theft, not just from the institution they are working for but also from the taxpayers who pay them. 

“These acts are in fact a form of theft not only from the government but, importantly, from the taxpayers. Let us never forget that every peso we receive is drawn from the hard-earned taxes of our people,” added Edduba. 

Concluding his message, the father of the province thanked all those who worked hard for the successful conduct of the 125th PCSA, saying, "Long live the public servant of Kalinga, long live the public servants of the Philippines. LUMIN-AWA KALINGA."